Calendar of the World Superbike Championship
Home of the Official SBK Fast Dates Calendar Kittens March 2012 Page 4 2013 World Superbike Season Official Preview &
Phillip Island Race Coverage
MotoGP Offical Testing at Sepang
saw the return of the "old" Valention Rossi
This Month in the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar ....
Calendar Kitten and SBK World Superbike umbrella girls Taylor McGunnin and Camilla Chiniquy heat up the Ten Kate Castrol Honda garage at 2011 Miller US World Superbike round with Jonthan Rea's CBR1000RR. You'll find Calendar bikes like this with beautiful Kittens featured in the Calendar Bike Garage with full specifications and screensaver size pictures. Order the 2013 Fast Dates Calendar
Photographer Jim Gianatsis gives Taylor and Camilla a look at their pictures which were coming out great during the 2011 Miller WSBK shoot despite the cold, rain and darkening skies. The girls were real pros! We try to shoot as many of the factory bikes as possible on Friday evening after the first day of practice when the bikes might be available for a few minutes.
FastDates.com Webite cover model Halle wants to remind you to order your new 2013 Calendars.
Weekdays 8am - 5pm Pacific Coast Time phone Van Leuween Distributing at 1-800-461-1226 or ORDER ONLINE HERE.
Sylvain Guintoli tops the Podium after race one with with Aprilia team mate Eugene Laverty (left) and Red Devil Aprilia's Michelle Fabrizio (right).
2013 SBK Eni World Superbike Championship, Round 1 Phillip Island
Aprilia Dominates, Guintoli and Laverty lead the new
2013 Superbike Championship after trading Phillip Island Wins
Phillip Island, Australia, Sunday 24 February 2013 – In the unique scenery of Phillip Island the first round of 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship proved to be a success, while the Victorian Government announced the GP Circuit will host the FIM Superbike World Championship for a further three years, from 2015 to 2017. Close racing and high-level competition entertained the 61.500 spectators over the 3 days and provided a remarkable show to the fans all over the world. Aprilia Racing Team riders Sylvain Guintoli (Race 1) and Eugene Laverty (Race 2) got one win each in Sunday World Superbike races, both finishing in 2nd place when not on top.
Aprilia's Eugene Laverty traded race wins with teammate Sylvain Guintoli.
No shrimp on the barbie here, but very expensive Roast Duck was served the week before in offical SBK testing when Ayrton Badovini crashed his Ducati Alstare 1199RS and spilled fuel sent the bike up in flames.
And speaking of er, Pirelli tires, the change from the former 16.5 inch race wheel /tire combination to the new production based 17-inch wheel/tire beginning a Phillip Island was a huge success for WSBK Championship tire sponsor Pirell. Together with the newly repaved surface at the Island track, all the teaks were running about 1-scond quicker per lap this year on the new 17-inch tires, than they were turing last year.
Carlos Checa qualified the new Ducati Alstare 1199RS on pole at Phillip Island forits first ever WSBK race. Unfortunatley a Race One crash into Marco Melandri and a resulting blow to the head, prevented Carlos and Ducati from coming back in Race Two or scoring any points at the opening round.
Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Concours d' Elegance
Returns to the Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA on Sunday July 14th 2013
The 2013 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show continues its now 22-year tradition as the premier outdoor streetbike event in America
with top Celebrity Builders, the Calendar Bike Building Championship & Concours d' Elegance, selected Vendors and Exhibitors, the Calendar Girl Music Show and a return to the exciting Queen Mary venue in Long Beach, CA. The Show marks the world premier of next year's new 2014 FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars featuring the world's top roadrace and custom motorcycles with the beautiful Calendar Kittens featured in the Calendars in attendance at the Show.
The Calendar Show is broadening its focus from the American V-Twin custom market which had so dominated bike events the past ten years, but has now been so affected by the economic down turn. The Show will still include its popular Pro Builder and Street Custom classes, Cafe Bike / Bobber, and Sportbike/Racebike Clases, and now also include the growing Collector Bike Market for European and Japanese Classics. Show Entries will be placed in a Concours d' Elegance displays on grass and patio walkways in the the Queen Mary's Seawalk Village.
Among the top name custom bike builders expected to attend are former LA Calendar Show winners and featured FastDates.com Calendar bike builders Jim Giuffra and the Spokesmodels of AFT Metric Customs, Russell Mitchell / Exile Cycles, Shinya Kimura / Chabott Engineering, Richard Lock / Mule Motorcycles, Todd Silicato / Todds Cycle, Chris Redpath / MotoGPwerks and many more.
The selected partners for the 2013 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show include Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, Barnett's Bike Craft Magazine featuring retro and cafe bikes, and Source Media's American V-Twin Group of magazines Hot Bike, Hot Bike Baggers and Street Choppers. The editors from each of the magazines will be in attendance to cover the event, assist in judging their sponsored classes, and choosing the top bikes to appear in their publications. Show producer Jim Gianatsis will be photographing the winning bikes on Monday after the Show to appear in the Magazines and the next FastDates.com Calendars. In addition to the coveted Best of Show and Class Awards, AFT Customs will present its Visionary Award Trophy for the most innovative and exciting bike at the event.
Headlining the live musical entertainment again this year is the all-girl Japanese Rock Band 'Nylon Pink' who will just be returning from their world music tour. Also featured will be some of Southern California's most talented and beautiful signer songwriters. While the Queen Mary's own gourmet restaurant culinary chefs will be preparing an incredible BBQ lunch menu that promises to exceed expectations of what is normally served at bike events. In all, it will be a full day of incredible bikes and builder, beautiful girls, music, food and beverages that will overwhelm all five of the human senses!
The 2013 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show & Concours d' Elegance is just $20 General Admission, and $40 VIP Admission includes a BBQ Lunch w/ Beverage and Queen Mary ghost ship admission. Show capacity is limited and advance ticket purchase is suggested. Purchase Advance Tickets, Vendor and Bike Contest Registration online at: www.FastDates.com/BIKESHOW.HTM.
Calendar Kittens Kinsey, Sabella and the girls from the band Nylon Pink who will again be performing at the 2013 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show, together with Yaniv Evan's 2012 Pro Builder Class Show winner. See more of Yaniv Evans' awesome bikes like this "Black & White" in the Calendar Bike Garage
Isle of Man TT - The Great Show on Earth! (Do Not try this at home!)
Exclusive Autographed Collector's Package! The all new Ducati Corse World Superbikes 224-pg book and the 2013 Fast Date World Superbike Calendar - World Release July 1st 2012
Personally autographed to you (or the name you request on the PayPal.com Order Form) by Jim Gianatsis and shipped direct to you.
For more information or to order the Book or the Calendar individually, unsigned, go to the Sportbike Books and Fast Dates Calendar order pages. $100 Collector's Package, plus $20 USPS Priority Mail Shipping & Handing in the USA.
Ducati's new Hypermotard - Licensed to Thrill!
Nicky Hayden gets the new Hypermto sideways on a beautiful Italian practice track. The track Security Guard is former Ducati Corse rider Ruben Xaus, who rode the first generation Hypermoto fully laid down sideways in those incredible PR photos from Ducat some 5 years earlier. Nicky's dinner date looks like MV Agusta's model at the EICMA shows the last two years. Sweet.
Newest Calendar Kittens take our Ducati 1199RS replica for a spin....
We are loving our modified Ducati 1199RS Superbike and with two special new accessories - Umbrella Girls USA models and newest FastDates.com Calendar Kittens Jessica and Kelsey! The girls were in the Gianatsis Design studio this month to shoot with photographer Jim Gianatis for the next FastDates.com Calendars, so of course, we had to get them on our street racer replica for a few pictures. The new 5th generation Ducati Panigale Superbike is the best handing, best perfrming sportbike we've ever ridden! Click on the picture to Download the Screensaver. Complete Ducati 1199 Superbike set-up details including the factory Ducati Corse 1199RS Parts Book are on FastDates.com in the Paddock Garage
FastDates.com Calendar Kitten Stickers
FastDates.com Calendar Kitten Stickers on Heavy Duty Die-Cut White Vinyl with peel and place adheasive backing.
We didn't want no whimpy stickers on our bike that fade or blow off at the power car wash. These will make your day.
Drawn for us by famed adult porn cartoonest Amy Mathews, these hot new Calendar Kitten Stickers are a must-have
for your bike, car, toolbox and refridgerator! Size each 3"wide x 6" high, choose the Tease Kitten or Flag Kitten, or both.
Just $5 each, plus $3 S&H USA per design.
New Triump Speed Tripple and Bonneville Special Editions
Triumph Motorcycles is excited to announce to special edition SE models of its iconic Bonneville and Speed Triple bikes.
The new Special Edition Bonneville – with its characteristic 865cc engine, retro chrome styling and cast aluminium wheels – boasts an array of enhancements to create a hugely distinctive bike. While the bold red frame and stunning paint job immediately catches the eye, there have been many other styling changes made to the bike.
The front end gets new front indicators and headlight (as per the Thruxton), while the rear end sees the addition of a black pillion grab rail and ‘bash’ plate. Contemporary black mirrors complete the new look.
However, it is the red frame and Matte Black and Cranberry Red color scheme which really grabs the attention. Not to be outdone, and with an eye on function and fashion, the Bonneville SE proudly sports a unique seat design comprising new stitching and vinyl covering.
The Special Edition Speed Triple is also based on the current model, powered by Triumph’s charismatic 1050cc three cylinder engine. Boasting a distinctive blue frame and swingarm, the Speed Triple SE comes in Matte Graphite with twin Matte Blue decals.
The special edition gets the lightweight treatment with carbon fiber front mudguard, side pods, tank cover panel and inner radiator panels. The color-matched fly screen, belly pan and seat cowl all come as standard, as well as neat finishing details such as a rubber tank pad and clear rear light. A new styled clutch, alternator and sprocket cover further enhances its distinctive makeover.
Finishing the dynamic look are blue wheel pinstripes, new styled mirrors and black silencer heat shields, handlebars and clamps.
Both new machines will be available via the U.S. Triumph dealer network from May 1, 2013. The Bonneville SE is priced at $7,999 while the Speed Triple SE will retail at $13,399.
Jorge Lorenzo
2013 MotoGP World Championship
Lorenzo Tops Official MotoGP Sepang Tests Sepang, Indonesia, Feb 26-28th 2013 - MotoGP™ World Champion Jorge Lorenzo led the way in this week’s test in Sepang by setting the quickest time over the three-day period, despite being overshadowed by Repsol Honda Team’s Dani Pedrosa and Marc Márquez on the final day. As with the previous Malaysia gathering of three weeks earlier, the weather played a part as rain rooted riders to their garages at some points, with this morning being no exception as many waited for the track to dry after heavy rain overnight. And today it was Pedrosa who topped the timesheets with a personal best of 2’00.562, meaning he has led five of the six pre-season days in Malaysia this year. The best overall tour was an impressive one from Lorenzo, with the Mallorcan managing to beat the official lap record with his endeavour of 2’00.282 on Wednesday, which was however not quicker than Pedrosa’s 2’00.100 from Sepang test one. On the final day, Lorenzo managed a consistent 20-lap stint in which he appeared to make only one mistake.
Valentino Rossi
Márquez continued to impress, with the Honda rookie managing third place overall while continuing to adapt to the Bridgestone tyres and suspension settings, and falling just 0.081s short of Pedrosa’s lap on the final day. Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Cal Crutchlow did well to finish the test in fourth, though only placed sixth on the final day, as he was left frustrated with no new components to scrutinise. Lorenzo’s teammate Valentino Rossi ended the three days in fifth overall, opting to test rear-tyre grip over doing long runs for race-pace.
GO&FUN Honda Gresini’s Álvaro Bautista and LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl had productive outings finishing the test in sixth and seventh respectively on their RC213Vs. Today, Bradl was just over four-tenths behind the Repsol bike of Márquez in fourth, whilst Bautista looked ever more comfortable on the Showa suspension. The top ten was completed by Crutchlow’s teammate Bradley Smith, who has impressed across the three days while focussing on his general riding style and braking technique in particular.
Andrea Dovizioso
The Ducati Team continued to make progress, beginning the week with new fuel tanks. On the final day, no long runs took place but instead a continuation of evaluating general settings and bike setups. Andrea Dovizioso left the pits on an all-black liveried new chassis and ended the day with much-improved pace – four tenths up on teammate Nicky Hayden and the greatly reduced margin of one second off the leading pace. Michele Pirro was the first to test the new chassis early in the day, handing it to Dovizioso after reporting good progress. Andrea Iannone continued to adapt to his Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team machine, ending up in the 11th position he is becoming accustomed to. Ben Spies ended the test half a second down on his teammate.
Power Electronics Aspar continued to throw down the gauntlet for CRT stakes, with Randy de Puniet beating reigning class champion Aleix Espargaró with a time set on the final day. Their nearest challengers appear to be the Avintia Blusens team, whose own attack is spearheaded by Héctor Barberá - at this stage quicker than teammate Hiroshi Aoyama. They were joined in the midfield across the trio of days by Yamaha test riders Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Wataru Yoshikawa plus Honda counterpart Takumi Takahashi.
Next in line for overall CRT standings in Cardion AB Motoracing’s Karel Abraham, who is getting to grips with his ART, with NGM Mobile Forward Racing’s Colin Edwards in tow. Came IodaRacing Project’s Danilo Petrucci was 22nd in the combined standings, four ahead of teammate Lukas Pesek, although the Czech rider beat the Italian on the final day. Paul Bird Motorsport’s Michael Laverty completed a shakedown run for the in-house built PBM bike with a total of 43 laps for all days, as him and Colombian teammate Yonny Hernández, on more established ART equipment, finished 24th and 25th respectively across the whole test. NGM’s Claudio Corti and Gresini’s Bryan staring completed the 28-strong testing grid.
Ducati Corse
World Superbikes
by Alan Cathcart
& Jim Gianatsis
The Official SBK
World Superbikes
1987-2012
25 Year History Book
The Official SBK
2012-2013 Yearbook These SBK Yearbooks are the Best Books Ever about World Superbike. They feature awesome color photography of the riders, bike and racing action. The feature a detailed revue of the past season in pictures and statistics, with a detailed look at the bikes and riders.
Plus a technical look data all the bikes, a preview of the upcoming season's Championship!
We buy this every year ourselves and highly recommend it!
SBK World Superbike Video Game
FIM Superbike & Supersport World Championships –
2013 Updated Calendar Now Includes Turkey
March 8th - Today the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) has issued the final version of the 2013 FIM World Superbike and World Supersport Championships and FIM Superstock 1000 Cup calendar.
It is confirmed that this includes 15 Rounds: the new entry of Intercity Istanbul Park (Turkey), scheduled for September 15th – and no round will be held on the June 23rd. The two events previously marked as "STC" are now confirmed.
See our Offical Race Schedules and Coverage in the
Far Left Column
Marco Melandri undergoes successful surgery.
After an arthroscopic operation on his right shoulder, the BMW Motorrad factory rider is confident to fully recover soon.
Cattolica/Munich, 28th February 2013. BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team factory rider Marco Melandri is confident that his right shoulder will not cause him any more problems. Over recent months, the Italian has been struggling with a lot of pain in his shoulder which particularly affected him when riding. When medical treatment over the last winter did not produce the positive effect he had hoped for and as it was still not clear exactly what was causing the problems, Marco decided that the best course of action would be to have an operation. Then, when he fell on his shoulder during a crash at the season opener of the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island (AUS) last Sunday, the pain increased again.
After returning home from Australia, Marco underwent a small operation on Wednesday 27 February. It was carried out by Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini at the “Centro di chirurgia ortopedica della spalla” in Cattolica (ITA), a surgical medical centre specialising in shoulder injuries. In an arthroscopic procedure, Dr. Porcellini cleaned adhesions and arthritis to the acromion (the outer end of the scapula to which the collarbone is attached). The operation went well, without any major problems. Marco left the hospital at noon today (Thursday) and will start with rehabilitation next week. With six weeks to go until the second round of the season at Motorland Aragón, Marco and the team are confident that he will fully recover in time for the next races.
Marco Melandri:
“I am very happy. The examinations showed that there is no injury to the shoulder but that the pain only had a small cause. Dr. Porcelli and his team did a very good job. With the surgery they have solved the problems which have been causing me pain. Now I am confident I will get well very soon. At the beginning of next week I will start with passive training on the shoulder and by the middle of March I will start to train in the pool. I will back in Aragon and even if I am not really 100% fit by then, for sure I will not have any pain in my shoulder.”
Meet 2013 Calendar Kitten
Shannon Baucom
MV Agusta M4
The Devil Made Us Do It! Testing the Ducati Diavel in Italy
New BMW HP4 Superbike
Sudco High Performance & OEM Replacement Parts
High Speed - the Movie The best motorcycle racing movie ever made! Filmed on location at the World Superbike races , this an exciting romantic drama staring beautiful British actress Sienna Miller.
Motorcycle-Superstore.com Renews Title Sponsorship of GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing's SuperSport Class
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 27, 2013) - Motorcycle-Superstore.com and AMA Pro Racing have announced the extension of their existing partnership with GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing for the third consecutive year. Motorcycle-Superstore.com will once again be named as the Official Motorcycle Parts and Apparel Online Retailer of the Series and the title sponsor of the AMA Pro Motorcycle-Supersport.com SuperSport division. As part of the agreement, AMA Pro Racing will distribute $25,000 to riders in the form of a year-end points fund due to the gracious support of Motorcycle-Superstore.com.
"We are excited to have Motorcycle-Superstore.com return to the paddock with us for the 2013 season," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "The relationship in years past between Motorcycle-Superstore.com and AMA Pro Racing has clearly been very beneficial for all parties involved. We are very thankful for the continued dedication and support the company has granted AMA Pro Racing competitors through the Motorcycle-Superstore.com Year-End Points Funds."
As part of the agreement, Motorcycle-Superstore.com will once again have access to on-site activation at each GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing event in 2013, in addition to an expanded online presence in AMA Pro Racing's website content and social media initiatives.
The $25,000 Motorcycle-Superstore.com Year-End Points Fund for the AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport class will be split between the East and West divisions, with additional bonus money paid to the overall SuperSport National Champion as well as the recipient of the all-new Superstore Sportsmanship Award. The payout for the year-end points fund will be structured as follows:
East Coast: 1st place, $5,000; 2nd place, $3,000; 3rd place, $2,000
West Coast: 1st place, $5,000; 2nd place, $3,000; 3rd place, $2,000
Overall Champion: $2,500
Superstore Sportsmanship Award: $2,500
The Superstore Sportsmanship Award will go to the recipient who attends every round of the AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport series and who best displays sportsmanlike qualities including fairness, respect and fellowship towards their fellow competitors and the race staff. The winner will convey an enthusiastic image and positive public promotion of the sport throughout the season. They will be selected by Motorcycle-Superstore.com through an accumulative effort including recommendations from members of the paddock, the industry and AMA Pro Racing officials.
The 2013 GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing season will kick off with the historic DAYTONA 200 Weekend, scheduled for March 14 - 16, 2013 at Daytona International Speedway. For tickets, please visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com
American Motorcyclist Association welcomes roadracing series as AMA Featured Series
PICKERINGTON, Ohio, Feb 19th - The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce that the American SportBike Racing Association and U.S. Grand Prix Riders Union Championship Series have joined the AMA sanctioned events calendar as AMA Featured Series. The events, which feature some of the country's most competitive amateur roadracing, run March through October.
"Each of these series brings an exciting and unique flavor of competition to the AMA-sanctioned calendar," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "We're looking forward to working with both ASRA and the USGPRU to advance the roadracing discipline and bring greater awareness to the top-notch competition that both of these series feature."
The ASRA Championship Series (www.asraracing.com) features both sportsman classes and classes for aspiring professional racers. It includes both Amateur and Expert competition in Thunderbike, SportBike and SuperStock classes.
"We are looking forward to our new relationship with the AMA as a featured series," said ASRA LLC President Kevin Elliott. "This not only elevates our series but it provides value to our racers and their sponsors by becoming a part of the largest motorcycle organization in the Americas. We feel that this gives both the AMA and the American Sportbike Racing Association a better position in our sport by providing riders with a clear stepping stone leading into the professional roadracing ranks. After years of running our series as a standalone, it was the logical move to join with the AMA and promote our sport with the help of such a great organization."
The USGPRU (www.usgpru.net) features 125cc and 250cc two-stroke roadrace bikes, as well as Moriwaki MD250H spec bikes. The USGPRU format includes extended-length grand prix racing with timed qualifying and is designed to prepare riders for two-wheel racing at the highest levels. For 2013, USGPRU events are running in conjunction with select events on the ASRA calendar.
In addition, select rounds of the ASRA Team Challenge endurance series are also sanctioned.
2013 ASRA Series
www.asraracing.com
March 9-10: Bloomingdale, Ga. Roebling Road Raceway (Includes ASRA Team Challenge)
May 25-27: Summit Point, W.Va. Summit Point Circuit
June 15-16: Alton, Va. Virginia International Raceway (Includes ASRA Team Challenge)
July 6-7: Elkhart Lake, Wis. Road America
July 20-21: Millville, N.J. New Jersey Motorsport Park
Aug. 17-18: Loudon, N.H. New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sept. 21-22: South Beloit, Ill. Blackhawk Farms Raceway
Oct. 19-20: Daytona Beach, Fla. Daytona International Speedway (Includes ASRA Team Challenge)
2013 USGPRU Series
www.usgpru.net
March 9-10: Bloomingdale, Ga. Roebling Road Raceway
April 14-15: Kershaw, S.C. Carolina Motorsport Park (Includes ASRA Team Challenge)
May 25-27: Summit Point, W.Va. Summit Point Circuit
June 15-16: Alton, Va. Virginia International Raceway
July 6-7: Elkhart Lake, Wis. Road America
July 20-21: Millville, N.J. New Jersey Motorsport Park
Aug. 17-18: Loudon, N.H. New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sept. 21-22: South Beloit, Ill. Blackhawk Farms Raceway
Order the Official
FastDates.com &
LA Calendar Bike Show
T-Shirts!
Yamaha Tops Sepang Tests
Feb 28th -
Yamaha Factory Racing today completed an exhaustive three days of testing at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, the second official IRTA test at the track. Wet weather at the start of the day followed by a drying track and extreme heat temperatures delivered challenging conditions for riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi. Despite the heat, Lorenzo used the final day to complete a long race simulation, gathering valuable data for the engineers. The reigning MotoGP World Champion recorded the fastest wet time in the morning, signing off the final test day in third position with 2’00.992 seconds, 0.43 from first. Lorenzo recorded the fastest lap time of the test overall with yesterday’s blistering 2’00.282 seconds.
Team mate Rossi opted to spend the remaining day continuing work on bike set up, the Italian still looking for the optimum mix of traction and balance on the YZR-M1, especially as tyre wear increases. The Italian wrapped up his second Sepang test in fourth position, just 0.07 seconds behind his teammate.
Jorge Lorenzo - Laps 56, Time 2'00.992 - “The practice was wet at the beginning of the day so we exited and tried the bike on the wet. It wasn't bad, I made the fastest wet time but when the track became dryer it was never the same as yesterday. It was much more slippery and so harder to equal yesterday’s time. We made a complete simulation, it was a little worse than I expected because we had some problems with the front tyre in braking; it didn't give me much confidence so I slowed my pace a little. The conditions were extreme this time so it was harder to equal the simulation we made in the first Sepang test.”
Valentino Rossi - Laps 61, Time 2'01.062 - “This test at the end is positive because we are in fourth place and not so far from the front. We are struggling a little more than the first test though; we were unlucky and suffered a little electrical problem that lost us some time and some other little problems. We tried to improve our performance and we fixed some problems but not all. The balance is positive; we have had another three days with the bike, and ridden more kilometres to take the bike back to the top and closer to the limit. Now we are looking forward to Austin.”
Ducati Shows Progress at Sepang
Feb 28th - The three-day IRTA test concluded today in Sepang, Malaysia, where the participants in the MotoGP championship made their second trip in less than a month. For the Ducati Team and riders Andrea Dovizioso and Nicky Hayden, it was an opportunity to continue with the development work on the Ducati Desmosedici GP13 for this first part of the season, which will officially kick off at the championship’s opening race on 7 April, in Qatar.
The three days of work was carried out with an eye toward optimizing the available equipment, including new frame components and new electronics strategies for the engine. Both riders had the opportunity to try a bike with a different weight distribution and centre of gravity. These solutions, which had already been tested by the development team at Jerez two weeks ago, underwent an additional check at the Malaysian circuit, and most were approved by the two riders. There had been some positive signs on day one, and yesterday both Hayden and Dovizioso managed to lower their times by over a second while remaining in eighth and ninth place in the provisional standings.
Rain this morning made it impossible to follow the regular testing program, but fortunately the conditions were back to normal for the afternoon, allowing Dovizioso and Hayden to complete their planned work schedule. In addition, the Italian was given the chance to try the ‘laboratory’ Desmosedici GP13 in order to give additional input and feedback on the bike that was ridden these days by test rider Michele Pirro.
Dovizioso and Hayden were eighth and ninth, respectively, in today’s standings, with the Italian doing his best time of 2:01.650 in the afternoon, 1.088 seconds off the day’s top rider, Dani Pedrosa, who posted a 2:00.562. Hayden’s best time of the day was 2:02.070.
After three days, the overall standings have Jorge Lorenzo in first at 2:00.282. Dovizioso (2:01.650) and Hayden (2:01.778) are eight and ninth, with Michele Pirro twelfth.
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) 8th, 2:01.650 (today) -
“I’m quite happy with the work we’ve done here. Yesterday we tried some rather radical changes to the setup and were able to understand something about the way for the future, while also improving my feeling. I’m now able to brake harder and enter corners faster, although we’re still not quick enough in the middle of the corner. My lap time is isn’t bad for the conditions we had today. Pirro’s ‘laboratory’ bike had some positive points, but I couldn’t improve my lap time with it because the positioning and the power delivery were different than on my bike. Anyway, we needed to understand better whether that bike is good or not, and it was positive, as it helps me with the final part of braking and the first part of corner entry. I’m very happy with how we worked at this test, with how much we were able to improve from the last test, and with how much feedback we were able to give the engineers. It will be interesting to go to Jerez for the last test and to Qatar for the first race because they’re all three completely different tracks, so we’ll be able understand more.”
Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) 9th, 2:01.778 (Wednesday) -
“I was faster yesterday, but that was partly because my feeling today wasn’t quite as good due to some things we were trying on the bike. Overall though, I leave here more positive than after the first test. We’ve seen some progress in terms of both the time and the consistency, and I had a better feeling with the bike and was able to improve a little more as the days went on. We closed the gap a bit, and I had a much better feeling in the rain. The turning is still the main area where we need to improve, but although we knew the beginning of the season was going to be tough, we have to stay focused and keep the course.”
Bernhard Gobmeier, Ducati Corse General Manager -
“We’ve made some progress over the course of these days. Today we even tried some extra things to help with direction in the future, and everyone is working in a very productive way. The new frame is a laboratory for the future development, and although it needs more time, for now we’re pretty satisfied. It was my first time at the track with the factory Ducati riders, and it’s always very interesting to be in the field. I tried to get all of their opinions in order to gain a full picture of the situation. At Jerez we’ll have some more new things regarding the frame, electronics and engine. We want to check if the direction we’re taking with the new solutions is correct, while also confirming the progress that we made at Sepang. So far, the riders’ feedback on the new fuel tank is very good. We tried some solutions with the centre of gravity and weight distribution, and this helped improve their feeling. We’re very satisfied with Nicky and Andrea. They both have a lot of experience, and the information they’re giving us is quite useful for speeding up development.”
Jim Gianatsis Editorial Director
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Contributing Editors
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All Rounds include Superbike and 600cc Superstock except Miller USA is Superbike only
European rounds also Include 1000cc Superstock
exception Donnington
2013 MotoGP DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Apr 7 - Qatar – Doha Losail
Apr 21 - Americas, Austin TX
May 5 - Spain, Jerez Frontera
May 19 - France, Le Mans
June 2 - Italy, Mugello
June 16 - Catalunya,Catalunya
June 29 - Netherlands,AssenTT
July 7 - Germany,Sachsenring
July 21 - USA, Laguna Seca (Only MotoGP class)
Aug 18 - USA, Indianapolis
Aug 25 - Czech Rep, Brno
Sept 1 - GB, Silverstone
Sept 15 - SanMarino Misano
Sept 29 - Aragon Motorland
Oct 13 - Malaysia, Sepang
Oct 20 - Australia, Phillip Is
Oct 27 - Japan, Motegi
Nov 10- Valencia, Ricardo
2012 MotoGP DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Apr 8 - Qatar – Doha Losail April 29 - Spain, Jerez Frontera May 6 - Portugal, Estoril May 20 - France, Le Mans June 3 - Catalunya, Catalunya June 17 - UK, Silverstone June 30 - Netherlands, Assen (Saturday Race) July 8 - Germany,Sachsenring July 15 - Italy, Mugello July 29 - USA, Laguna Seca (Only MotoGP class) Aug 19 - USA, Indianapolis Aug 26 - Czech Rep, Brno Sept 16 - SanMarino Misano Sept 30 - Aragon Motorland Oct 14 - Japan, Motegi Oct 21 - Malaysia, Sepang Oct 28 - Australia, Phillip Is Nov 11- Valencia, Ricardo
2012 AMA Superbike DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK Mar 15-17 Daytona FL Apr 20-22 Road Atlanta, GA May 4-6 Infineon CA May 25-28 Miller Mtrsports UT
June 1-2 Road America WI June 22-24 Bartber, AL
July 13-15 Mid-Ohios
July 27-29 Laguna Seca CA Sept 7-9 New Jersey MSports
Sept 21-23 Homestead-Miami Oct 5 - 7 NOLA Motorsports Park, New Orleans
2012 British Superbike Click Date for Race Report DATE/REPORT TRACK LINK
April 6-9 Brands Hatch Indy
Apr 13-15 Thruxton May 5-7 Oulton Park May 25-27 Snetterton
June 22-24 Knockhill
July 01-03 Snetterton July 6-8 Oulton Park July 20-22 Brands Hatch GP
Aug 25-27 Cadwell Park Sept 7-9 Donnington Park Sept 21-23 Assen
Sept 28-30 Silverstone GP Oct 12-14 Brands Hatch GP
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India's Budd International Circuit added to 2013 World SBK Calendar as Final Round
As the World Superbike Championship enters its 26th year in 2013, a record 15-16 rounds will be featured on the schedule.
Jan 15th - The newest additions are the Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi in India, Jerez in Spain, and the one that’s going to excite American World SBK fans – Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway. World Superbike has only visited the Jerez circuit – a normal on the MotoGP schedule – one other time back in 1990.
The FIM moved the Buddh WSBK date from March 10 to Nov. 17, which is the final round. The FIM says: “The World Superbike race in India has been moved from 10 March to 17 November due to an insufficient period of time to properly finalize the training of the marshals and medical staff around the racetrack.
“FIM representatives will be at the Indian track on 19, 20, and 21 this January in order to carry out the final racetrack homologation and provide the relevant seminars about the different aspects involved in the sporting organization of the event.”
The 2013 World Superbike schedule is lacking three circuits that were on the 2012 calendar – Misano (San Marino), Brno (Czech Republic) and Miller Motorsports Park (Utah, USA). But one of these may return (likely Brno or Misano).
In February, World Superbike, which will be marketed under the same umbrella as MotoGP with Dorna Sports, confirmed it would return to Sentul, Indonesia, where the series competed from 1994 to 1997. But things appear to be pushed back another year. Portimao is scheduled for round 8 June 7-9, but is still subject to contract.
As tradition, the 2013 World Superbike Championship will get underway at Phillip Island, next year’s Australian race held Feb. 22-24. World Superbike will also hold the official test the Monday and Tuesday before the season at Phillip Island, which is the most frequently visited venue in World SBK history. The series has met there 22 times since 1988.
The 2013 World Superbike finale will take place Nov. 17 at Buddh International Circuit. Heading into 2013 World Superbike, the man who would have donned the number-one plate, Max Biaggi, retired. The Aprilia Racing Team rider won the 2012 World SBK Championship, his second title in the series (first arriving in 2010 with Aprilia).
2013 World Superbike Provisional Calendar:
February 24: Phillip Island, Australia
April 14: Aragon, Spain
April 28: Assen, Netherlands
May 12: Monza, Italy
May 26: Donington, UK
June 9: Portimao, Portugal
June 23: TBA
June 30: Imola, Italy
July 21: Moscow Raceway, Russia
August 4: Silverstone, UK
September 1: Nurburgring, Germany
Sept 29: Laguna Seca USA
October 6: Magny-Cours, France
October 20: Jerez, Spain
November 17: Buddh International Circuit, India
Federal agency wants separate E10 fuel pumps at certain gas stations that sell E15 ethanol-gasoline blend
PICKERINGTON, OH – Feb 11, 2013 – In response to concerns expressed by the American Motorcyclist Association and power equipment makers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued new guidelines to help ensure that motorcyclists and others don’t inadvertently use E15 fuel.
E15 is a new fuel blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline that the EPA has approved for use in 2001-and-newer passenger vehicles. The blend isn’t approved for use in motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, boats, lawn mowers and other engines, and may even damage them and void warranties.
E10, which is commonly found at gas stations, contains 10 percent ethanol. E0 fuel has no ethanol. Ethanol is grain alcohol produced from crops such as corn that is mixed with gasoline to produce an ethanol-gasoline blend motor fuel.
Last year, Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, told the EPA that with E15 now coming into the market, AMA members who make a concerted effort to fuel their motorcycles or ATVs with E10-or-less fuel may unknowingly refuel with residual E15 left in a blender-pump hose. A blender pump dispenses different fuel blends through the same hose, such as E10 and E15. When a customer buys E15, as much as a third of a gallon of residual E15 is left in the hose, which can inadvertently get into the next customer’s vehicle while fueling with E10.
“In an effort to address this potential misfueling issue, EPA approved an industry-submitted [approach] that requires a minimum purchase of four gallons from blender pumps that dispense both E10 and E15 from the same hose and nozzle,” the EPA said. “Such an approach would prevent misfueling by diluting any residual E15 left in the hose from the previous sale of E15.
“However, groups representing motorcycle owners and lawn mower manufacturers objected to this [approach] because their products have gas tanks that are normally two gallons or smaller,” the EPA said.
So, on Feb. 7, the EPA posted a new option for retailers on its website’s “E15: Misfueling Mitigation Plans” page to try to avoid misfueling by consumers.
Under the new option, retailers who use a blender pump to sell E15 and E10 fuel through the same hose must also have a separate E10/E0 fuel pump. Those retailers would be required to have a label on the blender pump that reads: “Passenger Vehicles Only. Use in Other Vehicles, Engines and Equipment May Violate Federal Law.” Retailers would also be required to have signs indicating the location of the dedicated E10-or-lower fuel pump. There would be no minimum-fuel-purchase requirement at that pump.
Retailers who want to sell E15 also have the option of having a dedicated E15 pump or hose, or a pump that dispenses E15 and higher ethanol blends through a single hose. If a blender pump dispenses multiple fuels that include E15 and higher ethanol blends, the EPA may require a minimum purchase requirement.
The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available. The AMA also has asked that motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study into the effects of E15 to ensure that the new fuel blend won’t damage those engines.
In October 2010, the EPA approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Then, in January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-06 light-duty vehicles to the approved list.
CARB hits Vance & Hines with $500K penalty
Publish Date: Feb 11, 2013
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. - Vance & Hines settled in January with the California Air Resource Board to pay a penalty of $500,000 for selling, prior to Jan. 1, 2013, emissions-related parts not approved by the board. The exhaust maker has taken actions to ensure no further enforcement related to the parts befalls dealers or customers.
According to the notice posted on the ARB website, the board applied the penalty to about 2,000 units at about $250 per unit.
“V&H promptly and fully cooperated with ARB during the investigation, and as a result, has already implemented a compliance plan to inform its distributors, dealers and customers about the types of motorcycle exhaust systems that are legal for sale in the state,” said the CARB notice. “In addition, V&H is actively working with ARB’s Aftermarket Parts Section to ensure that all of its aftermarket critical emission control parts that are sold, offered for sale, or advertised in California obtain the necessary exemptions from ARB.”
Vance & Hines has issued its own news release in which company president Paul Langley said: “We are pleased to have resolved this matter with ARB, and to have worked out an approach that should avoid future misunderstandings about the proper use of our exhaust systems and emissions-related parts. … We are committed to ensuring that our parts fully comply with applicable air quality standards in California, and that our customers and business partners understand the appropriate fitment and uses.”
Vance & Hines said the settlement protects its distributors, dealers and customers from further claims or liability with respect to covered part sales occurring prior to Jan. 1, 2013.
The history of CARB approval for emission-related aftermarket goes back about half a decade. In 2009, at the request of the motorcycle industry, ARB adopted a process for the exemption of aftermarket “critical emission control parts” on motorcycles ridden on streets. Manufacturers of such parts (like aftermarket catalytic exhausts and oxygen sensors) must apply for and receive ARB Executive Orders that exempt the parts from California’s anti-tampering laws.
ARB has posted on its website a list of motorcycle aftermarket critical emission control parts that have received an exemption, including a couple of Vance & Hine Harley applications.
CARB also deems some products “replacement parts” that don’t require an Executive Order because they don’t affect emissions. Examples are exhaust systems for motorcycles that were certified without catalytic converters or sensors. Vance & Hines said the majority of its exhaust systems have some applications in which they can be sold and used as replacement parts.
'Mr. Daytona' Scott Russell to headline AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona, presented by Motul, during Bike Week
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that "Mr. Daytona" -- five-time Daytona 200 winner Scott Russell -- will be the featured guest at its annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona, presented by Motul, on Friday, March 15, 2013, 7:00 a.m., at the Daytona 500 Club on the infield at Daytona International Speedway.
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